Darran Blake has been in the Fort Lauderdale Business Community for over 20 years. Upon graduation from the University of Maryland with a BS in Business, Darran started her first career in the swimwear and sportswear design business, creating a line of designer swimwear to be carried in stores like Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, etc. In PEOPLE Magazine at age 23, Darran was on a fast pace with a highly publicized swimwear line, featured on morning talk shows and producing trunks shows nationally.

After selling her swimwear business, Darran became President and CEO of Allstate Paper Products, a corrugated box and shipping supply company, based on Stirling Road in Dania, supplying shipping boxes to industrial companies throughout Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. The company was showcased in both the Miami Herald and the Sun Sentinel on the cover of the business section as the only female owned corrugated box company in the county.

After selling two companies she founded, Darran accepted a position in the Financial Services industry at Smith Barney in Fort Lauderdale, and rapidly created and became the head of the top team, The Blake Group. The Blake Group serves as Wealth Managers and manages the assets of CEO's, high achievers, and other community and business leaders. Darran states "For our high net worth clients, we manage the complex business of their personal and financial lives, here in Fort Lauderdale and anywhere they go."

Darran, as Senior Vice President of Investments of the Blake Group, was featured in Money Magazine, on the section cover of Investor's Business Daily, The New York Times, during her 15 years at Smith Barney. Most recently, Darran was invited to the Barron's Winner's Circle for the Top 100 Women Financial Advisors in the nation for the third consecutive year. Darran was featured as one of the 2009 Movers and Shakers for the South Florida Business Leaders Magazine. Darran was also interviewed on the CBS Financial News with David Weir and on April 2, 2010 was a guest on the Nightly Business Report.

Darran and The Blake Group accepted a great opportunity to work for UBS Financial Services at the end of 2008, one of the world's largest global wealth managers. The Blake Group is located in the Fort Lauderdale office on Las Olas Boulevard.

Over the years, Darran and her team were involved in many philanthropic events in the Fort Lauderdale community. Darran was honored as a Woman of Style and Substance, American Business Women's Association – Philanthropist Leader of the Year 2008, Broward Alliance – Investor Relations Committee Volunteer of the Year 2008, co-chair of the Founders Advisory Board for the Broward Health Pediatric Care Unit, Broward College Foundation – Chairperson's Award for 2008, etc. She was a Gold Level Citi Volunteer for 2007, volunteering over 500 hours. Darran Blake was recognized and designated as Premier Advisor in South Florida by the National Association of Board Certified Advisory Practices (NABCAP) on November 18, 2011. Florida Trend Magazine included Darran in the "Must Know Contacts in South Florida" list for 2011. Darran was awarded Business Leader Magazine's "TOP 50 Entrepreneurs of 2012". The Blake Group is dedicated to giving back to the Broward Community whenever possible. She is also on the board of her local homeowner's association in her East Fort Lauderdale neighborhood.